Interac e-Transfer scam: is that money notification real?

Maybe not. Fake Interac emails and texts are common. Logos can be copied. If you weren’t expecting money, verify before you click, reply, or deposit anything.

What to do with an unexpected notice

• Contact the person who supposedly sent it another way (call or text a number you already have). Don’t use contact info from the email.
• Open your bank app yourself and look for a real pending transfer. Don’t use the link in the message.
• If you’re unsure, don’t click. Once a real e-Transfer is deposited, it often can’t be reversed.

Sources: Interac on email fraud · Get Cyber Safe on e-Transfer fraud.

Warning signs

• A dollar sign after the amount (for example “100$”) — a common phishing typo Interac calls out.
• It asks you to reply with the security question answer.
• Generic greetings (“Dear customer”), odd grammar, or pressure to act now.
• An email attachment — Interac does not send those.
• It claims to be from the CRA, an escrow service, or a job that pays you to “move money” as an e-Transfer agent. Interac does not hire e-Transfer agents; the CRA does not pay by e-Transfer.

Source: FCNB fraud alert on fake Interac notifications.

Autodeposit and security questions

• Autodeposit puts money straight into an account — no password or security question. That’s handy for real transfers, and risky if someone tricked you into sending money.
• Use a strong, unique security question and answer (not a pet name or birthday). Don’t put the answer in the transfer notes or message.
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your banking.

If you already clicked, replied or sent money

1. Call your bank right away and explain what happened. Ask them to freeze or reverse what they can.
2. Change any password you typed in, and turn on two-step sign-in.
3. Watch your accounts for charges you don’t recognise.

How to report it

• Forward fake Interac emails to phishing@interac.ca.
• Forward scam texts to 7726 (it spells SPAM). It’s free, and it helps Canadian phone companies block the scam for everyone. Get Cyber Safe explains how.
• Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online, or call 1-888-495-8501 (weekdays 10 am to 4:45 pm Eastern). You can report even if you didn’t lose money.
• If you lost money, also call your local police.

Quick answers

Does Interac email you about unexpected deposits?

If you get an unexpected e-Transfer notice, contact the sender another way before you click or reply. Logos can be faked. Real money only shows up after you check your bank yourself.

Does Interac send email attachments?

No. Interac does not send email attachments. The CRA also does not use Interac e-Transfer to pay you. Treat attachment emails as fake.

Where do I report a fake Interac e-Transfer?

Forward phishing emails to phishing@interac.ca. Forward scam texts to 7726. Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or at 1-888-495-8501.

Last checked 2026-10-19 against official sources linked on this page. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.